SAFETY FIRST!  Although this statement may be familiar to all of us, it is of utmost importance in the construction industry.  Munger Construction is dedicated to creating and maintaining the safest possible work environments for its employees, sub-contractors and our customers.
 
Previously, all employees were certified in an OSHA 10-hour outreach program for construction. Additionally, we developed a complete Company Health and Safety Program, which is distributed to all employees and available for review in our jobsite trailers and our corporate office.
 
In the Spring of 2008 Domenic Maturo, an employee of 9 years, took on the position of Safety Coordinator for our company.  A percentage of his work hours are now dedicated to maintaining our safety program and ensuring all employees and sub-contractors are following proper safety procedures at all times.  In July 2008 Munger also established a Health and Safety Committee (HSC) headed by Domenic and comprised of management and Munger employees who meet monthly to review and assess the needs of the Company Health and Safety Program.
 
In October 2008 we introduced a Health and Safety Incentive Program focused on eliminating lost-time injuries or incidents.  For every 90-day period without a lost time injury or incident, the company will reward our employees with a company breakfast.  At the publication of this newsletter we were incident free.  As a further incentive, the company individually recognizes every employee who demonstrates attention to safety above and beyond what is required.  Employees are nominated on a monthly basis by co-workers, job supervisors, and/or HSC members.  All chosen employees are rewarded and recognized with their name engraved on a plaque in our corporate office.
 
In another effort to enforce Munger's commitment to safety, all Munger employees recently completed OSHA required, Sit-Down Counter Balanced Lift Training (forklift training).  David DeMaio, Michael Cormier, and Domenic Maturo completed the course certifying them as trainers.  Then Domenic provided both classroom and practical application training to the rest of the Munger employees.  David, Michael and Domenic have also been trained as instructors for man-lift operations and employees will be trained in this area in the near future.
 
At the start of 2009, Munger Construction will offer voluntary first aid training and additional first responder training to any interested employees. The goal is to train employees to be prepared for any emergency situation that might arise.
 
As you can see, I have made a commitment to promoting and maintaining health and safety at all times.  A safe work site is not an option but a requirement.  I am proud of our company commitment and applaud my loyal employees for their continued efforts in always putting SAFETY FIRST!